World Hepatitis Day is July 27

Press release

World
Hepatitis Day, July 27, is an annual event that provides
international focus to raise awareness and influence a change in
disease prevention and access to testing and treatment.

"Hepatitis"
means inflammation of the liver and also refers to a group of viral
infections that affect the liver. The most common types are hepatitis
A, hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Viral hepatitis is the leading cause
of liver cancer and the most common reason for liver transplants.

Hepatitis
A can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks
to a severe illness lasting several months. It is usually spread when
a person ingests viruses found in fecal matter, even in microscopic
amounts. Infection can occur from oral contact with objects, food or
drinks contaminated by the stool of an infected person.

Hepatitis
B can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks
to a serious, lifelong illness. It is usually spread when blood,
semen or another body fluid from an infected person enters the body
of someone who is not infected. This can happen through sexual
contact with an infected person or sharing needles, syringes or other
drug-injection equipment. Hepatitis B can also be passed from an
infected mother to her baby at birth.

Acute
hepatitis B is a short-term illness that occurs within the first six
months after someone is exposed to the virus. Acute infection can,
but does not always lead to chronic infection. Chronic hepatitis B is
a long-term illness that occurs when the virus remains in a person's
body. It is a serious disease that can result in long-term health
problems and even death.

Hepatitis
C can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks
to a serious, lifelong illness. It is usually spread when blood from
an infected person enters the body of someone who is not infected.
Most people become infected with hepatitis C by sharing needles or
other equipment to inject drugs. Less frequently, it can be passed
through sexual contact or from mother to baby at birth.

Acute
hepatitis C is a short-term illness that occurs within the first six
months after someone is exposed to the virus. For most people, acute
infection leads to chronic infection, which is a serious disease that
can result in long-term health problems or death.

The
best way to prevent hepatitis A and hepatitis B is by getting
vaccinated. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C; the best way to
prevent it is by avoiding behaviors that can spread the disease,
especially injection drug use.

The
Niagara County Department of Health's nursing division's STD clinic
provides testing for hepatitis C for high-risk individuals. Hepatitis
A and B vaccine is also offered in STD and immunization clinics. STD
clinics are held every Monday and Wednesday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
No appointment is necessary. Immunization clinics are by appointment
only and can be made by calling 716-278-1903.